The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-10-22
HUGH'S PROMISE.
How Great Sacrifice Brought a
Great Reward.

"Mother, can I have that old cage
up GARRETT asked Hugh Elliott, enter
ing the Kitchen where his mother was
at work, small, covered basket in
his hand.
Eyes; it is of no use to me. But l
hope you are not going to cage u wild
bird. Hugh. 1t will be sure to die"
'But this is wild canary, mother,
regular beauty, and ] had such hard
work to catch it! | want to keep it
until the fair next week, and then try
to sell it,"
II fear it will die of neglect long be-
fore next week, my son. You remem-
ber the fate of your rabbitsP"
Hugh's checks flushed hotly. The
memory of those rabbits was very pain
full to him.
THAT was more than year ago,
mother. am old enough now, I hope,
to know how to take care of things
I promise you this bird shan't want
for anything, and may get good
price for him during fair week.
Very well; you can take the cage,
and will give you one more trial"
Hugh ran off to the garret at once,
and five minutes later the canary,
looking very unhappy, was hopping
about in a gilt cage which had lately
been the home of tame predecessor.
Hugh took it out and hung it in the
tool-house, provided it with seed and
water, and then ran off to help his
father in the farm yard. He was nail
ing loose board on the cattle shed
when he heard the rattle of wheels on
the road, and, looking up, saw his un-
Gle, William Nelson, who lived in the
thriving town of Scaford, twenty miles
away, stopping his horses at the front
gate. Hugh was very fond of his un-
Gle, and ran at once to open the gate
for him.
you're just the person wanted to
see, Hugh" said Mr.. Nelson, rs he
drove in, and Hugh sprang into the
back of the wagon to u seat beside
him. II had to so to Barclay on busi-
ness yesterday, and the boys told me
must come this road on my way home,
and carry you off to spend Halls birth
day. You know he will be sixteen day
after tomorrow, and they are to have
glorious time celebrating the event.
There is to be picnic Mt Crews Pond,
and all sorts of fun. All my change
for week past has gone to buy fire.
works. Hal said to tell you he
wouldn't half enjoy the day if you were
not there"
20. feel sure father will let me go, y
cried Hugh, his face fairly beaming with
delight. 1--WE are not very busy now
and he can spare me as well as moi"
81 would ask to take your brother
too," said Mr. Nelson, .but know
your father could not let you both go
and you are nearer Halls age thar
Ralph is"
Mrs. Elliott came to the kitcheI
!, door to ring the bell for dinner just a
!. the wagon entered the farm-yard, ant
while Ralph put up the horses and fee
them, Mr.. Nelson went into the house
and told of the invitation he hat
brought Hugh. No difficulty wa
made about letting the boy go, and a
soon as dinner was over Hugh rushed
up stairs to put on his best suit; ant
half an hour later was driving dow
the broad country road with his uncle
his mind so fnll of the pleasures il
store for him, that not one thought O
tho little prisoner confined in the tool
house found room to enter.
Seaford, the town in which his un
Gle lived, was reached just before dusk
and Hugh received q warm welcom
from his cousins, with whom he was
great favorite; and he was quickl,
4 made acquainted with the plans TO
Thursdays celebration.
= ave must get the fishing tackl
ready the first thing in the morning,
Hal said. as at ten o'clock he and Hug
were getting ready for bed, "and the
we'll practice for the target match O.
Thursday. When father bought Al
rows for us he bought some for YOU
too; and 1 believe you'll get the prize
Hugh, you were always such goo
shot. I'm awfully glad you came.'
ut was very kind in uncle to stop fo
me-" answered Hugh, ''and it was a
the better for being II surprise, ha
forgotten all aboutyour birthday"
The next morning dawned clear an
bright, and as soon as the fishing tackl
was put in order, Hal got out the bow
and arrows, and took little woode
plate from his sisters dollhouse for
target.
"You run to tho tool-house for q han
mer and nail, Hugh" ho said, ian
we'll fasten this to the old elm"
Hugh made one eager step forwart
then paused, and over his face came
look of such CONSERVATION and disma
that Hal starel Mt him in amazement.
"What's tho matterp" he asked.
20, Hal, Imust go home; lmust G
home ut once" answered Hug
"When you spoke of the tool-house
remembered that j have II wild canal
shut up in our tool-house at home. an
unless 60 back at once it will star'
to DEATH"
''Lot it starve, thon,"' said Hal. "Ye